Bag/Valve/Mask Resuscitator Stabilizer Arm and Method of Use

ABSTRACT

A stabilizer arm for a BVM resuscitator and method of use is disclosed. The stabilizer arm provides the necessary support to the reservoir bag to enable the user to exert downward pressure on the BVM resuscitator while simultaneously squeezing the reservoir bag. Due to the presence of the stabilizer arm, this pressure pushes the facial mask downward to assist in forming a tight mask to face seal. Multiple embodiments of the stabilizer arm are disclosed. The stabilizer arm may be internal, external or integrated into the wall of the reservoir bag of the BVM resuscitator and may be retro-fitted or original equipment manufactured. The external stabilizer arm may be designed to engage the neck of the outlet port of the BVM resuscitator with an open collar or a closed collar. The internal stabilizer arm may be configured to fit BVM resuscitators having single piece or multiple piece outlet valve design.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to improvements in bag valvemask resuscitators. Specifically, the present invention relates tointernal and external stabilizer arms for bag valve mask resuscitators.

2. Description of the Related Art

Bag valve mask (hereinafter BVM) resuscitators are commonly used inemergency care and critical care situations. When used in the field, BVMresuscitators deliver air under positive pressure to a patient not thencapable of breathing independently. The BVM resuscitator commonly knownin the art is a manually-operable, deformably-resilient, football-shapedbag formed from a ribbed, flexible thermoplastic which includes an airintake valve at one end and a breathing/exhaust valve at the other endto which a mask to cover the nose and face is affixed or operablyconnected.

Present BVM resuscitators have design deficiencies which createchallenges for the user. One such deficiency is the “softness” orcollapsibility of the reservoir bag that is squeezed to create pressureand ventilate the patient. Present BVM resuscitators have reservoir bagsconstructed most commonly from silicone or the like, that collapse orfold and do not tolerate downward pressure from the hand operating thebag, thereby limiting the user to establishing and maintaining themask-to-face seal with a single hand placed around the mask and face ofthe patient.

Moreover, this circumferential seal must be made between thenon-breathing patient's facial skin and the mask of the BVM resuscitatorwhile simultaneously maintaining an open airway by keeping the patient'shead in a constantly tilted position, all with a single hand. Thus, thiscollapsibility or folding of the reservoir bag, coupled with aproblematic seal of the mask around the mouth and nose, frequentlycauses difficulty or outright inability to achieve a consistently tightseal for a single user. The absence of a tight seal permits thepressurized air to follow the path of least resistance, leaking out ofthe mask, thereby resulting in insufficient ventilation of the patient.

A tight seal around the mask is much more easily attained, of course,when both hands are used to create pressure on opposite sides of themask. Pressure exerted on the mask with both hands can more easily becontrolled and adjusted to compensate for anatomical differences and anyother reasons for poor seal. However, the use of two hands by theprovider to apply pressure on the mask portion of the BVM resuscitatormeans that a second provider has to squeeze the bag in order for theunit to work. This unnecessarily consumes valuable manpower that couldbe utilized to perform other potentially lifesaving measures.

Thus, there is a need in the art for an improved BVM resuscitator whichwould allow the user's “bagging hand” to apply downward force whilesimultaneously squeezing the reservoir bag, effectively allowing bothhands to make the seal. The bagging hand would be allowed to fullysqueeze the reservoir bag as normal. Such a device would successfullyallow a single provider to use both hands to create the necessarymask-to-face seal while simultaneously squeezing the bag to create andmaintain the necessary seal to more effectively ventilate thenon-breathing patient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a stabilizer arm for a BVM resuscitatorand method of use. The stabilizer arm provides the necessary support tothe BVM resuscitator to enable the user to exert downward pressure onthe bag while simultaneously squeezing it. Due to the presence of thestabilizer arm, this pressure also pushes the facial mask downward toassist in forming a tight mask to face seal. Multiple embodiments of thestabilizer arm are disclosed. The stabilizer arm may be internal,external, or constructed into the material of the reservoir bag of theBVM resuscitator and may be retro-fitted or original equipmentmanufactured. The external stabilizer arm may be designed to engage theneck of the outlet port of the BVM resuscitator with an open collar or aclosed collar configuration. The internal stabilizer arm may beconfigured to fit BVM resuscitators having a single piece or multiplepiece outlet valve design.

The external embodiment of the retro-fitted device is a rigid barpreferably shaped to the curvature of the reservoir bag having a membersuch as a curved hook that can attach around the valve of the BVMresuscitator. In other embodiments, the bar is not necessarily curved,but has a shape compatible with the BVM resuscitators currently in useso as to allow the stabilizer bar to rest close to or on the outersurface of the bag portion of the BVM resuscitator. The connective valve(between the bag and mask) portion of present BVM resuscitators isconstructed from a harder plastic than the softer reservoir bags. Thishard plastic region can serve as an anchoring point for the externalstabilizer bar to attach and extend along the bag for the bagging handto rest on and apply downward pressure.

The connecting member of the stabilizer bar would reach around the neckof the valve portion of the BVM resuscitator, forming a fulcrum andcausing the valve portion to act as a support for the stabilizer bar.The hard plastic valve region would be pulled upward, bracing thestabilizer bar in place and preventing downward pressure from thebagging hand to affect the shape or functionality of the bag.Simultaneously, this downward pressure would then transfer to the maskor seal of the BVM resuscitator on the opposite side of the mask fromthe hand presently holding the mask in place. This new ability to createopposing pressure on the mask would allow a single user to functionallycreate a seal which is equivalent to that produced by the two-persontechnique (the two person technique utilizes one provider to form theseal using two hands to hold the mask in place, and a second provider tosqueeze the bag).

Although the bagging hand is at an elevated position to the mask holdinghand, the resulting downward pressure enabled by the new device istransferred to the bottom of the mask where the “seal” is necessary.This ability to generate pressure from the raised, bagging hand at thepoint of the seal resolves the difficulty a single BVM resuscitator userhas in creating and maintaining the necessary seal. The new deviceimproves the efficacy of the BVM resuscitator, reduces the manpowerrequired to effectively ventilate a patient in need, and allowshealthcare providers to more easily and timely create and maintain thenecessary seal. The stabilizer bar of the present invention allows asingle provider to readily establish the necessary seal, and moreimportantly, to maintain the seal more easily than the BVM resuscitatorscurrently in use.

This external retro-fitted stabilizer bar may be of variable dimensions,shapes, and materials and may simply hook snugly around the neck of thevalve portion of the BVM resuscitator or may be secured in place byvarious means including but not limited to a snap closure.

The retro-fitted stabilizer bar may also be internally fitted within thereservoir bag of the BVM resuscitator. The internal embodiment of theretro-fitted stabilizer bar is configured to fit BVM resuscitator bagshaving multiple piece outlet valve construction. In this embodiment, thestabilizer bar is a rigid bar coming to rest against or near thereservoir bag having a stabilizer ring that can attach to the valveconnector tube of the BVM resuscitator.

In another preferred embodiment, the internal stabilizer bar may beoriginal equipment manufactured and configured to fit BVM resuscitatorbags having single piece outlet valve construction. With originalequipment manufactured designs, the rigid bar may be additionallyreinforced and of a larger size than that of the retro-fitted version.In these embodiments, the stabilizer bar may be molded as one piece withthe outlet valve. Alternately, the outlet connector tube of the outletvalve may be designed to attach to the stabilizer ring of the stabilizerbar. The stabilizer bar may be securely attached to the outlet valve viasnap-on, twist and lock, screw attachment, glue/cement, or otherconnective or more permanent assemblies known in the art.

Various alternate embodiments of the stabilizer arm include an angled orextended arm with attached lever. Such designs may be fixed orarticulated. Other embodiments include double or multiple stabilizer armdesigns, both internal and external to the reservoir bag or built intothe actual body of the bag. The stabilizer bar may be lengthened orshortened in various alternate embodiments including but not limited tofolding, telescoping, sliding, or snapping. This would allow the deviceto be extended to fit reservoir bags of varying size and to be stored ina compact space when not in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of theretro-fitted external stabilizer bar of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a first preferred embodiment of theretro-fitted external stabilizer bar of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of theretro-fitted external stabilizer bar of the present invention attachedto the BVM resuscitator.

FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly view of an alternate preferred embodimentof the internal stabilizer bar and valve connector of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5A is a partial assembly view of an alternate preferred embodimentof the internal stabilizer bar valve connector assembly and inlet valveof the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of an alternate preferred embodimentof the internal stabilizer bar of the present invention positionedwithin the bag valve assembly.

FIG. 6A is a bottom partial assembly view of an alternate preferredembodiment of the internal stabilizer bar valve connector assembly andinlet valve of the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a bottom partial cross-sectional view of an alternatepreferred embodiment of the internal stabilizer bar of the presentinvention positioned within the bag valve assembly.

FIG. 7 is an exploded assembly view of an alternate preferred embodimentof the internal stabilizer bar and valve connector of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8A is a partial assembly view of an alternate preferred embodimentof the internal stabilizer bar valve connector assembly and inlet valveof the present invention.

FIG. 8B is a side cross-sectional view of an alternate preferredembodiment of the internal stabilizer bar of the present inventionpositioned within the bag valve assembly.

FIG. 9 is a perspective cross-sectional view of an alternate preferredembodiment of the internal stabilizer bar of the present inventionpositioned within the bag valve assembly.

FIG. 10A is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternateembodiment of the internal stabilizer bar of the present inventionpositioned within the bag valve assembly.

FIG. 10B is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternateembodiment of the internal stabilizer bar of the present inventionpositioned within the bag valve assembly.

FIG. 10C is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternateembodiment of the internal stabilizer bar of the present inventionpositioned within the bag valve assembly.

FIG. 10D is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an alternateembodiment of the internal stabilizer bar of the present inventionpositioned within the bag valve assembly.

FIG. 11A is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the externalstabilizer bar of the present invention.

FIG. 11B is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the stabilizer barof the present invention.

FIG. 11C is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment ofthe internal stabilizer bar of the present invention.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of theretro-fitted external stabilizer bar of the present invention.

FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram of a generic embodiment of theretro-fitted external stabilizer bar of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic assembly side view of an alternate preferredembodiment of the internal stabilizer bar of the present inventionpositioned within the multi piece construction bag valve assembly.

FIG. 14 is a schematic assembly side view of an alternate preferredembodiment of the original equipment manufactured internal stabilizerbar of the present invention positioned within the one piececonstruction bag valve assembly.

FIG. 15 is a schematic assembly side view of an alternate preferredembodiment of the original equipment manufactured internal stabilizerbar of the present invention positioned within the multi piececonstruction bag valve assembly.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thestabilizer bar of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is made first to FIG. 1 for a perspective view of a firstpreferred embodiment of the retro-fitted external stabilizer bar of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 1, stabilizer bar 10 includes barhandle 14, bar tip 16, and a wider shoulder area 12. The neck or hookportion 18 of bar 10 has hook tip 20 and forms C-shaped aperture 22.Hook portion 18 has inlet or opening 24 just wide enough to fit aroundthe valve neck of the BVM resuscitator. Stabilizer bar 10 is preferablymade from a rigid plastic, capable of withstanding sustained downwardforce. Other rigid yet resilient materials known to those skilled in theart may also be used to construct the stabilizer bar. Neck or hookportion 18 has sufficient tensile strength and flexibility to fit aroundthe valve neck snugly and remain in position under pressure withoutcracking As also shown in FIG. 2, wider shoulder area 12 is ofsufficient width to receive the primary impact of the downward force andtransmit the sustained pressure to the valve connector of the BVMresuscitator.

FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of the retro-fitted externalstabilizer bar 10 of the present invention attached to the BVMresuscitator 30. The BVM resuscitator 30 has an inlet valve 36 throughwhich air is delivered to the bag 32. Although some reservoir bags donot have a handle, bag 32 has handle 34 that serves as a positioningguide for the hand of the user. At the opposite end of bag 32 isconnector 40 that joins bag 32 to outlet valve 38. Exit port 43 providesa release port for the release of exhaled air from the patient.Positioned on the side of outlet valve 38 is outlet port 42 throughwhich pressurized air is delivered to the patient. As shown in FIG. 3,stabilizer bar 10 provides a rigid surface on the exterior of bag 32 forthe user to exert downward pressure on connector 40 and outlet valve 38.The stabilizer bar may be lengthened or shortened in various alternateembodiments including but not limited to folding, telescoping, sliding,or snapping. This would allow the device to be extended to fit reservoirbags of varying size and to be stored in a compact space when not inuse.

Reference is next made to FIG. 4 which shows an exploded assembly viewof an alternate preferred embodiment of the internal stabilizer bar 50and valve connector 60 of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows the body52 of the stabilizer bar 50 with curved handle 54 and end tip 56. Body52 is attached to stabilizer ring 58 and ring connector seat 72 ofstabilizer bar 50. As also shown in FIG. 4, valve connector 60 hasconnector tube 70 which fits inside stabilizer ring 58 and seals againstvalve connector seat 74. This connection may be a snap connection asshown in FIG. 4. Various other ways of connection are anticipated, whichinclude but are not limited to a twist and lock connection, screwconnection, or any other method which provides a secure, rigidconnection of the stabilizer bar 50 to the connector tube 70. A detaileddescription of various alternate means of attachment is provided belowwith reference to FIGS. 13-15.

As further disclosed in FIG. 4, valve connector 60 is attached to maskvalve assembly 62. FIG. 5A also illustrates the internal stabilizer barvalve connector assembly (stabilizer bar 50 connected to valve connector60) and inlet valve 64 of the present invention. Next, FIG. 5Billustrates a cross-sectional view of the bag valve assembly with theinternal stabilizer bar 50 positioned within bag 66. FIG. 6A shows abottom view of the internal stabilizer bar 50 connected to the valveconnector assembly. The position of the internal stabilizer bar 50within the bag valve assembly is shown in relation to bag 66, valveconnector 60, and handle 68 in the bottom partial cross-sectional viewof FIG. 6B.

Continuing in FIGS. 7-9, is another alternate preferred embodiment ofthe internal stabilizer bar and valve connector of the presentinvention. FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded assembly view of thestabilizer bar 80 along with valve connector 90. FIG. 7 shows the body82 of stabilizer bar 80, having curved handle 84 and end tip 86. In thisembodiment, body 82 has proximal side wall 85 a and distal side wall 85b. Within body 82 between side walls 85 a and 85 b, are a plurality ofstructural cross walls shown as 83 a, 83 b, 83 c, 83 d, and 83 e. Thesecross walls provide increased strength and rigidity to the body 82 ofstabilizer bar 80. The stabilizer bar may be lengthened or shortened invarious alternate embodiments including but not limited to folding,telescoping, sliding, or snapping. This would allow the device to beextended to fit reservoir bags of varying size and to be stored in acompact space when not in use.

Body 82 is attached to stabilizer ring 88 and ring connector seat 87 ofstabilizer bar 80. As also shown in FIG. 7, valve connector 90 hasconnector tube 100 which fits inside stabilizer ring 88 and sealsagainst valve connector seat 104. This connection may be a snapconnection, twist and lock connection, screw connection, or any othermethod which provides a secure, rigid connection of the stabilizer bar80 to the connector tube 100. Additional detail regarding furtheralternate embodiments for making this connection are described ingreater detail below with reference to FIGS. 13-15. FIG. 7 also showsvalve connector 90 attached to mask valve assembly 92.

FIG. 8A also illustrates the internal stabilizer bar valve connectorassembly (stabilizer bar 80 connected to valve connector 90) and inletvalve 94 of the present invention. Next, FIG. 8B illustrates across-sectional view of the bag valve assembly with the internalstabilizer bar 80 positioned within bag 96 having handle 97. FIG. 9shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the internal stabilizer bar80 positioned within the bag valve assembly. The position of theinternal stabilizer bar 80 within the bag valve assembly is shown inrelation to bag 96, valve connector 90, and inlet valve 94. FIG. 9 alsoillustrates structural cross wall 83 b positioned against distal sidewall 85 b of the stabilizer body 82.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of the stabilizer bar 270 showingthe extension arm member 274 of the stabilizer bar comprised of twoelements. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the first element 276a is movable with respect to the second element 276 b, such that theextension arm member 274 may be extended for use and collapsed forstorage. In various alternate embodiments, it is envisioned that theextension arm member may be comprised of more than two elements. In thismanner, the stabilizer bar may be lengthened or shortened by variousmethods including but not limited to folding, telescoping, sliding, orsnapping. This would allow the device to be extended to fit reservoirbags of varying size and to be stored in a compact space when not inuse.

Continuing with FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D, are four alternateembodiments of the internal stabilizer bar of the present inventionpositioned within the bag valve assembly. FIG. 10A illustrates the basiccomponents of the bag valve assembly: the reservoir bag 110, outletvalve assembly 112, and the inlet valve assembly 114. Additionally, FIG.10A shows stabilizer arm 120 having the body 124 of the support armextending from the neck of the outlet valve assembly toward the centerof the bag and angle upward. The top of the arm is connected to asupport lever 122. The support lever is configured to receive thedownward force from the user. In alternate embodiments, the supportlever in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D may be configured to lengthen orshorten in various ways including but not limited to folding,telescoping, sliding, or snapping means from a shortened to an extendedlength. This would allow the device to be extended to fit reservoir bagsof varying size and to be stored in a compact space when not in use.

FIG. 10B illustrates the same basic components of the bag valveassembly. In this embodiment, however, stabilizer arm 130 has body 134spanning the length of the reservoir bag 110 with an extension risingfrom the body toward the top of the bag. In this embodiment, the top ofthe extension is connected to a support lever 132 which receives thedownward force from the user.

FIG. 10C illustrates one of the many possible ways that the stabilizerbar 140 may be attached to the outlet valve assembly 112. While theprimary requirements are that the attachment be secure and rigid, manymethods of attachment well known in the art will accomplish thefunctional requirements for this connection. The connection can be asnapping connection as shown in FIG. 10C, or it can be any of a numberof other options including but not limited to twist and lock or screwassembly attachment. The connection must be secure such that thestabilizer arm does not come loose during use. Such a fixed attachmentensures that the stabilizer bar 140 functions properly. For the originalequipment manufactured stabilizer bar, the construction of the outletvalve assembly and stabilizer bar can be formed as a single unit, or canbe constructed of multiple pieces that form the stabilizer bar and holdthe bag in place. The stabilizer bar can also be integrated into thebag.

FIG. 10D illustrates the internal stabilizer bar 150 positioned withinthe bag valve assembly. In this embodiment, stabilizer bar 150articulates around hinge 156. The stabilizer bar 150 is composed of fourparts: connector arm 154, hinge 156, upright arm 158, and support lever152. In this embodiment, the stabilizer bar 150 articulates for easierplacement and assembly.

FIG. 11A illustrates an alternate embodiment of the external stabilizerbar of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11A, stabilizer bar 160has arm 162 on top of the reservoir bag 110 and arm 164 on the bottom ofthe reservoir bag. Such a configuration adds additional structuralsupport and rigidity to the connection between the bag 110 and theoutlet valve connector 112. Stabilizer bar 160 can be molded into outletvalve connector 112. FIG. 11C shows a similar configuration with aninternal stabilizer bar of the present invention. Here, stabilizer bar180 is positioned inside reservoir bag 110 with arm 182 extending to thetop of the bag and arm 184 extending to the bottom of the bag. Again,such a configuration is designed to increase the rigidity and support atthe connection between the bag and the outlet valve assembly. Finally,the alternate embodiment of FIG. 11B illustrates the use of a stabilizerbar 170 having a plurality of arms 172 a, 172 b, and 172 c. Thisconfiguration may be positioned internal or external to the reservoirbag 110 or built into the material of the bag itself, and would alsoincrease support at the connection between the bag and the outlet valveassembly.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of theretro-fitted external stabilizer bar 190 of the present invention. InFIG. 12A, stabilizer bar 190 has the body 194, tip 196, and shoulders192 of the primary embodiment, but also has a snap closure structure atthe end of hook 198. Aperture 202 is formed from hook 198 and closurearm 200. Closure arm 200 has snap ring 206 which is configured to fitaround snap post 204. In this embodiment, the stabilizer bar 190 issecurely attached to the neck of the outlet valve connector. It isenvisioned, of course, that any connective device known in the art tofasten, clip, connect, or secure two members for support could beutilized in place of the snap closure.

FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram of a generic embodiment of theretro-fitted external stabilizer bar of the present invention. In FIG.12B, stabilizer bar 10 is shown having tip 16, handle 14, body 12, hook18, end of hook 20. As previously described, the stabilizer bar 10 has ahandle portion 14 that extends over the reservoir bag and acts as theresting point for the bagging hand. The handle 14 of the stabilizer bar10 would be wide enough to provide ample support but narrow enough toallow a bagging hand of various sizes (due to anatomical differences inproviders) to press downward, but also allow the user to completelysqueeze the bag. The preferred embodiment stabilizer bar would have ahandle 14 which is ½ inch wide, and which extends over the bag (D3 andD4) 5 to 7 inches from the outlet valve connection. In alternateembodiments, the shape, width, length, and thickness of the stabilizerbar may vary. The thickness and dimensions of the various parts of thestabilizer bar 10 are configured to optimally fit the size of thereservoir bag and outlet valve connector (adult, child, infant, etc.).While thickness of the stabilizer bar could vary, the preferredembodiment would have a thickness of ⅛ inch. The stabilizer bar wouldhave a shape or curvature compatible with the BVM resuscitatorscurrently in use so as to allow the stabilizer bar to rest close to oron the outer surface of the bag portion of the BVM resuscitator.

As described above, the stabilizer bar has a neck region or hook that ispositioned around the hard plastic valve connector of the BVMresuscitator. While dimensions could range widely, the minimum openingis wide enough to allow the valve connector of the BVM resuscitator toslip into the opening and remain in the opening throughout placement anduse of the stabilizer bar. In the preferred embodiment, this distance D2of opening 24 as shown in FIG. 12B is preferably 1⅛ inches. Aperture 22allows the outlet valve connector of the BVM resuscitator to settle intoposition during placement of the stabilizer bar. As the stabilizer baris pulled toward the bag (pulled away from the valve region and securedinto place) so as to allow the bagging hand to rest on it in theappropriate region of the bag (the portion that allows the user tosqueeze the bag appropriately) the valve region of the BVM resuscitatoris forced into aperture 22. While dimensions may vary, in the preferredembodiment distance D1 of aperture 22 is preferably 1⅛ inches.

FIG. 13 is a schematic assembly side view of an alternate preferredembodiment of the internal stabilizer bar of the present inventionpositioned within the multi piece construction bag valve assembly. Somecurrent BVM resuscitator assemblies utilize multi piece construction,having an outlet valve assembly and an attachment ring. The attachmentring secures the reservoir bag to the outlet valve assembly. In thisretro-fitted configuration, as shown in FIG. 13, the ring 222 may beremoved from the outlet valve assembly 212 and replaced with stabilizerbar 220. The stabilizer bar 220 connects to the attachment mechanism 224on the connector tube. The reservoir bag 216 is held in place betweenthe base of the stabilizer bar 220 and the valve connector seat 226.

FIG. 14 is a schematic assembly side view of an alternate preferredembodiment of the original equipment manufactured internal stabilizerbar of the present invention positioned within the one piececonstruction bag valve assembly. Some current BVM resuscitatorassemblies utilize single piece construction, having an outlet valveassembly with a channel for receiving the neck of the reservoir bag. Theneck of the reservoir bag is stretched over the mouth of the outletvalve assembly and held in place within a channel where the bag rests onthe outlet valve connector. As shown in FIG. 14, in alternate preferredembodiment 230, the stabilizer bar 240 and the outlet valve assembly 232are molded as a single piece during original manufacture. Alternately,the stabilizer bar may be attached and affixed to the outlet valveassembly by a variety of means including but not limited to adhesive,cement, or sonic welding. During assembly, the reservoir bag 236 isslipped over both the stabilizer bar 240 and the mouth 242 of the outletvalve assembly 232 and held in place within the channel 243 on theoutlet valve connector 245.

FIG. 15 is a schematic assembly side view of an alternate preferredembodiment of the original equipment manufactured internal stabilizerbar of the present invention positioned within the two piececonstruction bag valve assembly. As discussed above, in a BVMresuscitator having a single piece construction outlet valve assembly,the neck of the reservoir bag is stretched over the mouth of the outletvalve assembly and held in place within the channel on the outlet valveconnector. As shown in FIG. 15, in alternate preferred embodiment 250,the attachment mechanism 264 on the connector tube 265 is configuredduring original manufacture to securely attach to the stabilizer bar260. Reservoir bag 256 is attached to mouth 262 of the outlet valveassembly 252 and held in place within the channel 263 on the outletvalve connector 265. During assembly, the stabilizer bar is connected toattachment mechanism 264.

Changes in the precise embodiments of the invention herein disclosed canbe made within the scope of what is claimed without departing from thespirit of the invention. Other designs may be evident to those skilledin the art upon viewing this device. Although the present invention hasbeen described in conjunction with a number of preferred embodiments,those skilled in the art will recognize modifications to theseembodiments that still fall within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

I claim:
 1. A stabilizer bar for a bag valve mask (BVM) resuscitator, the BVM resuscitator having a reservoir bag, a face mask, and an outlet port, the outlet port having a neck, the stabilizer bar comprising: an attachment support member connected to the outlet port; and an extension arm member extending from the attachment support member to a position adjacent the hand of the user of the BVM resuscitator; wherein the extension arm member provides stability to the BVM resuscitator when held and operated by the hand of the user.
 2. The stabilizer bar of claim 1 wherein the attachment support member is integrally formed with the neck of the outlet port.
 3. The stabilizer bar of claim 1 wherein the attachment support member further comprises an attachment element removably connectable to the neck of the outlet port.
 4. The stabilizer bar of claim 1 wherein the stabilizer bar is positioned external to the reservoir bag.
 5. The stabilizer bar of claim 1 wherein the stabilizer bar is positioned internal to the reservoir bag.
 6. The stabilizer bar of claim 1 wherein the stabilizer bar is integrated into the wall of the reservoir bag.
 7. The stabilizer bar of claim 4 wherein the attachment support member comprises an open collar engaging the neck of the outlet port.
 8. The stabilizer bar of claim 4 wherein the attachment support member comprises a closed collar engaging the neck of the outlet port.
 9. The stabilizer bar of claim 7 wherein the open collar of the attachment support member defines an opening sufficient for the neck of the outlet port to be received into.
 10. The stabilizer bar of claim 8 wherein the closed collar of the attachment support member comprises a snap closure attachment and defines an opening sufficient for the neck of the outlet port to be received into and held in place by the snap closure attachment.
 11. The stabilizer bar of claim 5 wherein the attachment element of the attachment support member comprises a snap lock attachment and defines an opening sufficient for the neck of the outlet port to be received into and held in place by the snap lock attachment.
 12. The stabilizer bar of claim 5 wherein the attachment element of the attachment support member comprises a twist lock attachment and defines an opening sufficient for the neck of the outlet port to be received into and held in place by the twist lock attachment.
 13. The stabilizer bar of claim 5 wherein the attachment element of the attachment support member comprises a threaded closure attachment and defines an opening sufficient for the neck of the outlet port to be received into and held in place by the threaded closure attachment.
 14. A stabilizer bar system for a bag valve mask (BVM) resuscitator, the BVM resuscitator having a reservoir bag, a face mask, and an outlet port, the outlet port having a neck, the stabilizer bar system comprising: an attachment support member connected to the outlet port; and at least one extension arm member extending from the attachment support member to a position adjacent the hand of the user of the BVM resuscitator; wherein the at least one extension arm member provides stability to the reservoir bag when held and operated by the hand of the user.
 15. The stabilizer bar system of claim 14 wherein the at least one extension arm member comprises two extension arm members.
 16. The stabilizer bar of claim 1 wherein the BVM resuscitator has an inlet port and the extension arm member extends from the inlet port to the attachment support member connected to the outlet port.
 17. The stabilizer bar of claim 1 wherein the extension arm member is articulated.
 18. The stabilizer bar of claim 2 wherein the attachment support member is molded with the neck of the outlet port.
 19. The stabilizer bar of claim 2 wherein the attachment support member is attached and fixed to the neck of the outlet port.
 20. The stabilizer bar of claim 1 wherein the extension arm member comprises at least two elements, the first element movable with respect to the second element; wherein the extension arm member may be extended for use and collapsed for storage. 